Access and Functional Needs

While being prepared for disasters and emergencies is important for all individuals, it is even more critical for those with access and functional needs who may need assistance during and emergency. The following information provides emergency preparedness guidance for individuals with access and functional needs, and to persons who provide care to those with access and functional needs.

Prepare For Emergencies Now

Your ability to recover from an emergency tomorrow may depend on the planning and preparation you do today.

Be informed, it is important to know what types of emergencies that can affect your community.

Make a communications plan. A disaster can interfere with your ability to communicate with your family, friends, and coworkers. It is vital to have backup plans for staying in touch with your support network, and for your network to be aware of where you will shelter or evacuate.

Build an emergency kit. The reality of a disaster situation is that you will likely not have access to everyday conveniences. To plan in advance, think through the details of your everyday life and the needs you have to help you put this kit together.

Access and Functional

Needs Registry

No matter where you live, your community may experience a natural or man-mad disaster -- a tornado, flood, winter storm, fire, or a nuclear power plant accident. In any type of disaster, individuals and families should prepare and know what to do. Community officials plan to aid and protect in the recovery of the community after a disaster. The Access and Functional Needs registry is a planning tool to assist our officials to know where our citizens reside that may need a little bit more assistance during a disaster. Completing the registry does not mean that immediate assistance will be automatically sent to you in a disaster. But it is an important tool for officials to know what other assistance our community needs in a disaster.

Providing this information does not insure that you will receive special treatment, but your needs will be given consideration.

Take a moment to learn more by watching the Special Needs Registry how it helps older Americans video or Special Needs Registry how it helps Families.

File of Life

It is important to complete a File Of Life as it contains your medical information. The magnetic pouch that comes with it makes it easy for you to hang on the side of your refrigerator. Should you need an ambulance, first responders can immediately go to your refrigerator to retrieve you information and instantly know your medical history, with correct treatment beginning at once. At the hospital your information is immediately available to medical staff, without possible confusion from the patient. Benefits to you, peace of mind knowing you will have prompt medical care; easy access to potentially life-saving information; and, assurance that proper persons will be notified quickly.

Should you need to evacuate during an incident, be sure to take your File of Life with you.

Take a moment to learn more by watching the video to see how it works!

Request a FREE

Additional Information

Emergency Preparedness Tips for Those With Functional Needs

Preparing for Disaster for People with Disabilities and other Special Needs